Minutes of the meeting of Perton Parish Council, held at Perton Civic Centre on Monday 14^th February 2022, 7.00pm

PRESENT:

Councillors Mrs P Allen , AA Bourke,  N Caine, P Davis, K Elder (Chairman), D Glynn (Vice- Chairman),Mrs R Heseltine, Mrs A James, C Rathbone, Cllr J Sherlock, J Turner, Mrs B Walters, Ms S Wilkes

Parish Clerk Mrs B Hodgetts

Assistant Parish Clerk Mrs L Higgins

Members of the public – 4

140/21 – PUBLIC OPEN SESSION

A resident raised their concern regarding the river Penk and the flooding issue.  The Chairman explained how the Wild About Perton Citizen Science project is involved in the management of the river sanctioned by the Environment Agency.

A flood report was created for South Staffordshire with some detailed mapping for Perton.  Perton has 254 properties at risk of flooding.  The River Penk has always been monitored since its first inception.  Clearing the river is something that flood officers said wouldn’t sort the problem, part of the problem is the course of the old Penk.

Severn Trent were approached about the levels of the lower lake, the silt wasn’t at a sufficient depth to cause them worry and dredging would cost a lot of money, approximately £40k.  Some residents would like some of the vegetation removed from the river Penk to help the water flow more freely, although this could cause flooding further downstream.

Residents may not always be aware but work does happen in the background.  The Council are waiting for the flood officers to finalise their report for South Staffordshire, but unfortunately, we do not have a full report yet.

The increase in traffic along Wrottesley Park Road, was raised.  Quarry vehicles are using the road to access the A454 Bridgnorth Road.  Could the weight limit be amended? The resident was informed that an Informal discussion with the County Councillor has been held and this will be raised with the County.

A resident raised their concerns regarding the proposed skatepark and floodlighting as their property backs onto the central area.  A letter received against the projects from them will be responded to by the Clerk.  The Chairman explained that a youth working party had been set up to look at provision for the youth within Perton, including timed lighting of the MUGA, installation of skatepark and the provision of senior youth club.  Consultations are ongoing and when a final decision is made it may require planning permission which will allow further public involvement.

141/21 – APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies received and noted from Councillors R Bradley and Mrs L Dew

142/21 – POLICE, FIRE AND CRIME REPORT

A written report received from PCSO A Tooth was made available for members.

Additional comments:

Are there any plans to do some bike marking?  PCSO has asked the question as they don’t have any stickers at present.

Is there an increase in glass smashing around Perton?  PCSO Tooth replied that there are some youths pushing the boundaries, but some are from the West Midlands.  The Police will start to look at using available powers to curb the behaviour.

The police are aware of bonfires being lit at a vulnerable resident’s property. If the Fire Service are informed when the fires are lit they will put them out and do some investigation.

PCSO Tooth was informed of the antisocial behaviour on the Wrottesley/Bradshaws Estate.

143/21 – DECLARATION OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY AND OTHER INTERESTS

No Declaration of other interests were received.

144/21 – REQUESTS FOR CODE OF CONDUCT DISPENSATIONS

No request for dispensations received.

145/21 – MINUTES

1. Resolved that the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 17^th January 2022 were agreed as a true and correct record.
2. Noted for information the draft minutes of the following committees:

• Queens Platinum Jubilee working party notes meetings held 24^th January and 7^th February 2022
• Allotment Working party notes held 25^th January 2022
• Finance Committee held 6^th January 2021

146/21 – FINANCE

1. Paid Expenditure Transactions between paid between 01/01/22 and  31/01/22

Resolved payments approved.

Payment

Reference         Paid date                      Tn no               Gross                           Details

Bacs                                                       03/01/22                 4522                                       £34.95                                   Amazon                 Bin Bag Holder Hoops

Bacs                                                       03/01/22                 4523                                       £209.25                                 Café 29 Ltd                Christmas Lunches for Residents

DD                                                          04/01/22                 4524                                       £164.66                                 Ash Waste Services                General & Recycle Waste

DD                                                          04/01/22                 4525                                       £1,435.00                              South Staffordshire Council Rates       January

Bacs                                                       10/01/22                 4526                                       £146.88                                 Banner Fire & Security                     Fire Extinguisher Annual Maintenance

Bacs                                                       10/01/22                4527                                       £420.00                                 Assa Abloy                Annual Service Contract

Bacs                                                       10/01/22                 4528                                       £209.71                                 Citron Hygiene UK Ltd Sanitary & Nappy Bins Annual Contract

Bacs                                                       14/01/22                 4529                                       £2,905.11                             Staffordshire County Pension December

Bacs                                                       14/01/22                 4530                                       £2,804.00                              Inland Revenue                    Tax & NI  December

Bacs                                                       14/01/22                 4531                                       £130.92                                 Pozitive Energy Ltd                               Gas Supply

Bacs                                                       17/01/22                 4532                                       £72.54                                   British Telecom                    Telephone & Broadband

Bacs                                                       17/01/22                 4533                                       £684.00                                 Shelutions                                             Bus Shelter Repair

Bacs                                                       17/01/22                 4534                                       £500.00                                 Lakeside Community                                 donation towards Hearing Loop

Bacs                                                       17/01/22                 4537                                       £540.00                                 Weston Sawmill                Duplicate Payment sent in error

CHG                                                       20/01/22                 4535                                       £8.47                                                      HSBC UK                                Bank Charges

Bacs                                                       20/01/22                 4536                                       £506.22                                 Eon Next Electricity                                December

Bacs                                       24/01/22                 4538                                       £1,650.00                              HAGS-SMP Ltd                    Play Area Repairs

Bacs                                                       24/01/22                 4539                                       £108.00                                 Evac Chair International                                Annual maintenance Contract

DD                                                          25/01/22                 4540                                       £278.29                                 Waterplus                              Water charges 08/10/21 – 08/01/22

Bacs                                                       28/01/22                 4541                                       £10,407.41                           Salaries                 M10

Total                                                                  £23,215.41

1. Cash book to date received and noted for information.
2. Income statement to date received and noted for information.
3. Expenditure and budget to date received and noted for information.
4. Perton Women’s Institute concessionary room hire. Resolved the concessionary room rate be approved for any regular or weekday hire. should a weekend be required a separate application would need to be submitted.

147/21 – ALLOTMENTS

1. An update on the allotment site was presented and noted.
2. The Clerk presented costs for architects to map out the site. It was felt that this would give the Parish Council more control on what happens with the site.  Resolved to appoint Thorne Architecture Ltd at a cost of £1025 for preparation of the scheme, £950 for specification drawing for tender and £175 per meeting.
3. Resolved that the Allotment Committee appoint 3 members off the waiting list to join the committee as per the Terms of Reference.
4. Site requirements
5. Fencing around the whole site would increase security, the landowners will only fence two of the sides with hedges bordering the other two. Resolved to look at the cost to do all four sides of the site with rabbit proof fencing.
6. Water connection to the site could be included in the Wrottesley Park Road housing development installation, which would hopefully reduce the cost to the Parish. Waiting for costs from Severn Homes.  Further connections within the site will be an additional cost.

• Electricity connection to the site could be included in the Wrottesley Park Road housing development installation, which would hopefully reduce the cost to the Parish. Waiting for costs from Severn Homes.  It was agreed that this would not necessarily be required immediately but it future proofs the site.

1. The cost of providing all plots with a shed is quite high. Resolved the Parish Council to consider plot holders providing their own sheds.  Sheds would need to be to an approved standard with permission from the Parish Council.
2. There are some concerns with providing a communal building. This raises security and maintenance issues, and it could become a place for undesirables to gather.  A shelter could be considered in the future.
3. Toilet facilities are required for the site.  It was Resolved that a composting toilet should be included and to take further advice from the National Allotment Society.

148/21 – DEVELOPMENT WROTTESLEY PARK ROAD

An update report was presented to members following an informal virtual Microsoft Teams meeting with Severn Homes on 25^th January 2022.  The report was noted for information.

149/21 – QUEENS PLATINUM JUBILEE

1. The Parish Council would like to create a rose garden to commemorate the Jubilee. The site proposed is alongside the footpath at the rear of the Civic Centre near to the benches.   The ongoing maintenance will be by volunteers and Civic Centre staff.  Waiting for formal approval from the District Council.
2. The cost of providing every school child a jubilee memento would be considerable.   The government will be giving every primary school child a book.  Resolved that the Parish Council will present the Official Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album to each school at a cost of £43.22 + vat alongside an ‘Elizabeth’ teddy bear wearing a jubilee t-shirt at a cost of £5.14 each plus vat and postage.
3. The national Big Lunch is to be held on Sunday 5^th June 2022 and the councillors are in favour of progressing this idea for Perton. It is proposed that this is held around the upper lake. The Clerk is due to meet an events company to get further ideas and costs.  Resolved to be discussed further at the March meeting.
4. A proposed firework/laser show event for November to be discussed at a future meeting.
5. Resolved that the Clerk complete and submit an application for £1,000 towards the rose garden project from the South Staffordshire Community Innovation Fund.

150/21 – SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE COUNCIL

1. District Council written report presented from Cllr Mrs R Heseltine and P Davis and verbal reports presented by Cllrs P Allen, AA Bourke and N Caine. The reports were noted for information.

Cllr Mrs R Heseltine had examples of the blue bags that will be given to residents for cardboard and paper for recycling from April.

1. The Wild Trout Trust report was completed following some of the concerns raised at the Parish Council meetings. Perton is part of the River Trent Valley Catchment Partnership which brings together all the stakeholders concerned with the rivers.  The Environment Agency appointed the Wild Trout Trust to inspect the river on their behalf.  The report has recommendations for possible improvements and some of that takes account of flooding issues.  The report was forwarded to the District Council some time ago but it should now be taken forward by talking to the other agencies including the District Council as landowners, the Environment Agency and possibly Severn Trent.  There is a lot of detail and issues that require discussion; therefore the Parish Council should definitely be involved.

Some residents would want various vegetation removing from the riverbed.  If obstacles are removed or the river bed is made deeper the water would flow faster but the pinch point is the culvert on Wrottesley Trust land and the water would not flow through quickly enough which would back the water up causing flooding.  Government policy is to slow rivers down.

Resolved to forward a copy of the report to Severn Trent and the County Council flood team.  Clerk to contact the District Council to ask if they have formally considered the report, what are their concerns and what actions should be taken?

1. Open space ground maintenance suggestions for wildflower meadows was proposed on 3 sites within the central area. There needs to be a serious cutback of woodland within the central area as this is encroaching on the grassland, some of this work may be able to be completed by the civic centre staff.  There are areas that still require more maintenance.   Resolved to approve the proposed sites and inform District Council.
2. Clearing of weeds on the footpath along A41, this is the gateway to Staffordshire and does not show Perton in a good light.  Codsall have removed all the dead leaves and weeds on their side of the A41, Wolverhampton City Council remove all the dead leaves and weeds up to the county border on the A41,   SSDC have been asked several times to schedule clearing the leaves just once a year.

9.30pm Resolved to move standing order 10a x) to allow further time to complete the agenda.

1. Planning applications for consideration, previously distributed:

                                     Application no.: 22/00080/FUL

                                     Location: 8 Cabot Grove, Perton, WV6 7TQ

                                     Proposed: Two storey side and single storey rear extension

                                     Comments: The council will be guided by the Planning Officers comments

Planning Applications returned since last meeting:

                                     Application no. : 22/00009/FUL

                                     Location:  Kelmsdun, Pattingham Road, Perton, WV6 7HD

                                     Proposed: First floor bay window extensions and garage dormer window

                                     Comments: No objections were received.

                                     Application no. : 22/00049/FUL

                                     Location:  Moorland House, Pattingham Road, Perton, WV6 7HD

                                     Proposed: Two storey front extension and first floor side extension

                                     Comments: No objections were received.

151/21 – STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

1. County Councillor reported how his Divisional Highway Programme funding was spent for this financial year.
2. Flooding at Dippons Lane:

The landowner has categorically said the ditches are not their responsibility, but County Council confirm they have Riparian rights. The Parish Council would consider carrying out the necessary ditch clearing if permission could be sought from the landowner or SCC, this is unfortunately not possible at present.

The tenant on the land states that the upgrade to the pumping station by Severn Trent pushed soil back into the ditch which is causing the flooding issues.  The main issue appears to be the blocked culvert.  No one will take the responsibility for this, the landowner has agreed, in principle, to confirm in writing that they do not own the land.  Resolved Clerk to contact the County Council again to see how this can be progressed.

1. Severn Drive – highway vehicle speed survey has not been carried out. Unfortunately there are delays due to covid.
2. There is a pothole on one of the speed humps at the chicane on the Parkway with St. Andrews Drive which has been reported several times, they repaired the smaller one sometime ago. The County Councillor will follow this up.
3. Re-instatement of the road markings at the traffic light junction with Wrottesley Park Road need to be looked at. The markings have reduced the queueing space for the vehicles turning left from the A41 toward Perton. This will be raised at county

Additional comments

No update on the ANPR camera for the bus lane, Cllr Abrahams will follow this up.  Councillors informed the County Councillor that the last update the Parish Council had was that the delay was waiting for Eon to do the necessary electrical work.

Stoke City Council have purchased a JCB Pot Hole Pro to complete pot hole repairs, they have completed 10,000sq metres of road in 130 days, using traditional methods this would have taken 1040 days.  Do the County have any intention of purchasing one of these machines?

Sometime ago the Deputy head of the Middle School attended a meeting for support in their request for roof repairs.  The repairs appear to have been completed but has the school been given adequate funding to repair the damage internally?  County Councillor will request information.

Severn Drive surface requires attention.  A resident had an issue pushing their walker across the pedestrian crossing due to the ruts and holes in the surface.

Speed watch was deployed at Severn Drive recently and no cars were caught speeding, all slowed down.  The most recent Clerks report shows the Speed Impact Device statistics.

152/21 – REPORTS

Weekly Clerks reports having previously been distributed were noted for information.

153/21 – DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING

Full Council Meeting of the Parish Council – Monday 14^th March 2022 at 7pm, Perton Civic Centre

Meeting closed at 9.56pm

Signed …………………………………………………………………               Date:   …………………………………………

Chairman

Financial Summary – Cashbook

Summary of receipts and payments between 01/04/21 and 31/12/21 inclusive. This may include

transactions with ledger dates outside this period.

Balances at the start of the year

Ordinary Accounts

Co-operative Bank                                                                                                            £3,253.47

HSBC Current Account                                                                                                    £14,806.80

Petty Cash Account                                                                                                             £250.00

Public Sector Deposit Fund                                                                                            £116,000.00

Total                                                                                                                             £134,310.27

RECEIPTS                                                                                Net                         Vat                  Gross

Parish Council                                                              £234,847.60                     £0.00          £234,847.60

Civic Centre                                                                   £53,079.22                     £0.00           £53,079.22

Total Receipts                                                              £287,926.82                     £0.00          £287,926.82

PAYMENTS                                                                              Net                        Vat                    Gross

Parish Council                                                              £124,512.87              £4,032.77            £128,545.64

Civic Centre                                                                   £93,161.81              £3,534.91             £96,696.72

Total Payments                                                            £217,674.68               £7567.68            £225,242.36

Closing

Ordinary Accounts

Co-operative Bank                                                                                                             £2,544.22

HSBC Current Account                                                                                                      £8,200.51

Petty Cash Account                                                                                                              £250.00

Public Sector Deposit Fund                                                                                             £186,000.00

Total                                                                                                                             £196,994.73

Uncleared and Unpresented

Statement Closing Balances

Ordinary Accounts

Co-operative Bank                                                                                                             £2,544.22

HSBC Current Account                                                                                                      £8,200.51

Petty Cash Account                                                                                                              £250.00

Public Sector Deposit Fund                                                                                             £186,000.00

Total                                                                                                                             £196,994.73